Kristi Noem, DHS Secretary | official facebook
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) made several arrests in Chicago, Illinois over the weekend. These actions took place despite what DHS described as violent attacks by domestic terrorists targeting law enforcement officers.
“Our brave men and women of law enforcement are being targeted and attacked by violent anarchists who seek to tear down America,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “I want each and every member of law enforcement to know this: President Trump and I have your backs. We stand with ICE as they continue to protect and defend our homeland.”
According to DHS, those arrested include individuals identified as members of criminal gangs, drug traffickers, child abusers, and others with histories of violent offenses:
- Wilmer Alexander Gonzalez Garaban, a Venezuelan national described as a confirmed Tren de Aragua gang member with a history of theft and resisting an officer.
- Ricardo Gervasio-Gervasio from Mexico, convicted for cocaine possession, driving under the influence of liquor, and dangerous drugs.
- Pedro Navajas-Contreras from Mexico, who has three prior convictions for driving under the influence.
- Uriel Alvarez-Meneses from Mexico, with eight prior convictions including multiple DUIs, traffic offenses, and a previous hit-and-run charge.
- Luis Arroyo-Telles from Mexico, convicted for fraud, licensing violation, and cruelty toward a child.
- Jorge Mario Ramirez-Lopez from Guatemala, convicted for larceny.
- Arturo Guzman from Mexico, convicted for drug trafficking and selling amphetamines; he has also illegally re-entered the United States twice.
- Abrahan Alfonzo Jimenez Rodriguez from Venezuela faces charges including resisting an officer, vehicle theft, aggravated assault with a weapon or gun, obstructing justice.
Operation Midway Blitz was launched by Secretary Noem on September 8. On October 3, DHS reported that ICE and CBP had made more than 1,000 arrests since the operation began. The initiative was named in honor of Katie Abraham who died in a drunk driving incident involving an undocumented immigrant.
